Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Things I've learned...., 1 by kabob

kabob wrote:
I'm starting my third year of "seriously" growing hoyas. Thanks to all of you, I continue to learn more and more. Here's some of what I've learned this year:

I. Hoyas like air movement.
2. If one of my hoyas has just been sitting there, check the roots..
3. Not to be afraid to cut the roots if necessary (hey,this really works!)
4. That putting perlite at the bottom of pots as well as in the mix, helps the roots, which translates to happier plants.
5. How to spell nummaraloides....nummalaroides....never mind.
5, again. Not to treat all my hoyas the same - some like more water, or less, more light, or less, etc.
6. Betcha I cant buy just one.....
7. Fertilizers are different, and what works for one person, may not work for me. So, finding a fertilizer that I like - which I did!
8. To try putting a baggie over a hoya that I've just treated with Neem oil, to suffocate those nasty little spider mites.
9. To be more observant about my hoyas - describing the leaves, the flowers, the fragrance, etc.
10. BATS does not help with spider mites.
11. It IS important to try, as best as possible, to correctly name your hoya, expecially if you're going to trade with others!
12. Don't over-water a plant that is developing buds - they'll blast!

Still learning:

1. The correct terminology, ie corolla, corona, etc.
2. Everything else!

Guess that proves that even old dogs can learn new tricks!! And thanks, again, to everyone, for all your patience and help!

Karen

And #13 - I STILL need a new camera!!!



This message was edited Jul 30, 2007 8:15 PM